Dallas, June 23: In a thrilling match at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Argentina’s star player Lionel Messi showcased his extraordinary talent once again, leading his team to a 2-0 victory over Austria. With two goals to his name, Messi not only secured the win but also set multiple records, ensuring Argentina’s place in the knockout stage.
Just two days shy of his 39th birthday, Messi missed a penalty in the first half but remained undeterred. He scored the opening goal in the 38th minute, giving Argentina the lead, and later sealed the victory with another goal during injury time.
This match was particularly significant for Messi as he netted his 17th and 18th goals in World Cup history, surpassing the previous record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals. Messi now stands at the top of the list for the most goals scored in World Cup tournaments, followed by Klose and Brazil’s Ronaldo with 15 goals. France’s Kylian Mbappé and Germany’s Gerd Müller are next with 14 goals each.
Moreover, Messi became the third player to score in six consecutive World Cup matches, joining the ranks of France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho. This was Messi’s fourth goal in the current tournament.
Argentina began the match aggressively, creating several opportunities. However, after Messi’s penalty miss, the team’s momentum faltered, allowing Austria to apply pressure. Despite their efforts, Austria failed to convert their chances into goals.
Argentina regained control, with Messi and Thiago Almada displaying impressive teamwork. Their collaboration resulted in a brilliant goal by Messi, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead and etching his name further into the record books.
By halftime, Argentina led 1-0 and maintained pressure in the second half. Austria attempted a comeback, but Argentina’s solid defense and Messi’s exceptional form thwarted their efforts.
In the dying moments of the match, Messi capitalized on another opportunity, scoring in injury time (90+5 minutes) to finalize the score at 2-0. With this victory, Argentina secured their second consecutive win in Group J, solidifying their spot in the final 32. Should Jordan fail to defeat Algeria in the day’s second match, Argentina could also top their group.
Overall, this match was a testament to Messi’s brilliance, as he not only led his team to victory but also added another glorious chapter to World Cup history.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
